12 Best Labor Relations Certifications To Take In 2025
Labor relations certifications are valuable for HR professionals, union representatives, and managers seeking to enhance their understanding of labor laws, negotiation skills, and workplace conflict resolution.
I've summarized the best labor relations certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Labor Relations Certifications Shortlist
- CLRP® Certification — Best for public sector labor relations expertise
- Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) — Best for comprehensive labor relations skills
- Labor Relations — Best for strategic negotiation skills
- Labor Relations Certification Program — Best for legal compliance in labor relations
- Certificate in Labor Relations — Best for foundational labor studies
- Labor and Employment Relations Certificate — Best for integrating labor and employment laws
- Labor Relations Certificate — Best for enhancing negotiation and conflict resolution
- Labor Relations and Human Resources Graduate Certificate — Best for HR professionals focusing on labor relations
- Labour Relations Certificate — Best for Canadian labor law expertise
- Employment and Labor Relations Program — Best for employment policy development
- Advanced Labour Relations Certificate Course — Best for advanced negotiation techniques
- 2-Day Labor Relations & Employee Engagement Certificate Program — Best for rapid skill enhancement in employee engagement
Overview of the Best Labor Relations Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best labor relations certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. CLRP® Certification - Best for public sector labor relations expertise
The CLRP® Certification is a specialized program designed for public sector labor relations and human resources professionals. This certification aims to enhance professional value, raise standards, and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Participants complete required academy courses and can choose between a multiple-choice exam or writing a paper to earn their certification. Additionally, the program includes a recertification component to encourage ongoing professional development.
Issued by: National PELRA
Focus:
- Public sector labor relations
- Human resources management
- Professional development
- Certification standards
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it requires an ongoing certification process
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for public-sector professionals who want to validate their expertise and commitment to labor relations and human resources.
2. Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) - Best for comprehensive labor relations skills
The Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) certification provides key skills for managing labor relations in unionized environments. The program includes six modules on union management, labor history, dispute resolution, negotiation, and communication, with case studies and practical resources to support learning.
Issued by: Michigan State University
Focus:
- Managing in a Unionized Organization
- Framework for Understanding Labor Relations
- Dispute Resolution and Labor Arbitration Fundamentals
- Negotiating Labor Management Agreements
- Enhancing Interpersonal Skills
- Application through Case Studies
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $2,800
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals seeking to establish or enhance their expertise in labor relations, particularly in unionized settings, and signifies a comprehensive understanding and capability to manage labor relations effectively.
3. Labor Relations - Best for strategic negotiation skills
The eCornell Labor Relations certification is designed for management and union representatives who are new to labor relations. This program emphasizes the development of skills in collective bargaining and contract administration. Learners engage in practical applications and simulations to hone their abilities in negotiating agreements and managing workplace conflicts. The program requires completion of courses in a specific sequence and offers a structured, cohort-based learning experience.
Issued by: Cornell University
Focus:
- Collective Bargaining
- Contract Administration
- Negotiation Strategies
- Grievance Procedures
- Arbitration Preparation
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Required to complete the Collective Bargaining course or have equivalent experience
Renewability: No
Price: $3,900
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for management and union representatives aiming to enhance their skills in labor negotiations and conflict resolution, demonstrating a commitment to effective labor relations management.
4. Labor Relations Certification Program - Best for legal compliance in labor relations
The Labor Relations Certification Program is tailored for professionals in public sector agencies. It combines educational training with experiential learning, allowing participants to either take individual workshops or complete all to earn a certification. This program enhances professional development and demonstrates expertise in public-sector labor relations.
Issued by: Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Focus:
- Costing Labor Contracts
- Negotiation Strategies
- Effective Communication
- Understanding Labor Laws
- Trends in Negotiation Sessions
- Managing Impasse and Conflicts
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certification enhances knowledge and professional value in labor relations, providing career advancement opportunities for public sector HR and labor professionals.
5. Certificate in Labor Relations - Best for foundational labor studies
The Certificate in Labor Relations is designed to equip students with essential skills in collective bargaining, organizing, labor law, arbitration, and contract negotiation. It provides a foundational understanding needed for effectively navigating and managing labor relations in various workplace settings.
Issued by: CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
Focus:
- Collective Bargaining
- Organizing
- Labor Law
- Arbitration
- Contract Negotiation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Candidates must have a New York State high school or HSE diploma (TASC/GED)
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals seeking foundational knowledge and skills in labor relations, enabling them to engage more effectively with labor organizations and navigate workplace challenges.
6. Labor and Employment Relations Certificate - Best for integrating labor and employment laws
The Labor and Employment Relations Certificate equips students to enhance their knowledge in labor and employment relations by selecting any four 3-credit graduate-level courses from the MLER program, ensuring flexibility and customization in learning. The program is available through both online and in-person classes, or entirely online, catering to diverse learning needs.
Issued by: Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations
Focus:
- Conflict resolution
- Diversity
- Human resource management
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Select any four (4) 3-credit graduate-level MLER courses to make up the Labor and Employment Relations certificate
- Students must earn a B or better for a course to be applied toward the certificate
- International students must:
- Obtain approval from the Rutgers Global office if on H1 or F1 U.S. visas
- Ensure the program includes elements of in-person instruction
- Enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester
- Follow reduced course load requirements, if applicable, during the final semester
- Hold an approved visa that is transferable to Rutgers University
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price:
- In-State Tuition Rate For 2024-2025: $1,022 per credit or $3,066 per 3-credit course
- Out of State Tuition Rate For 2024-2025: $1,720 per credit or $5,160 per 3-credit course
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding and skills in labor and employment relations, and it allows holders to demonstrate expertise in managing labor-related challenges.
7. Labor Relations Certificate - Best for enhancing negotiation and conflict resolution
The Labor Relations Certificate provides participants with the necessary skills to effectively manage union environments. The program focuses on essential areas such as collective bargaining and contract administration. Participants are equipped with the knowledge to navigate union interactions and negotiations effectively, ensuring they can apply techniques for various labor relations scenarios. The certificate involves completing three core courses and two electives within three years.
Issued by: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Focus:
- Collective bargaining
- Contract administration
- Labor management fundamentals
- Advanced negotiation strategies
- HR investigations
Prerequisites:
- Education: Complete the 3 core courses and 2 elective courses within three years
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price:
- Core Courses: Starts from $895 to $1,165 per course
- Elective Courses: Starts from $395 to $1,165 per course
Who It’s For: This certificate is for HR professionals, managers, and union representatives, showing expertise in labor relations and the ability to handle negotiations, disputes, and labor laws effectively.
8. Labor Relations and Human Resources Graduate Certificate - Best for HR professionals focusing on labor relations
This 12-credit program is designed for students who hold or seek positions in labor relations or human resources within labor, business, or government organizations. It aims to enhance professional credentials by providing specialized knowledge in these areas.
Issued by: University of Rhode Island
Focus:
- Labor Relations
- Human Resources
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certificate is intended for individuals seeking to advance their careers in labor relations or human resources, providing them with the skills and credentials necessary to excel in these fields.
9. Labour Relations Certificate - Best for Canadian labor law expertise
The Labour Relations Certificate program is a four-and-a-half-day intensive course focused on equipping professionals with the necessary skills to manage effective union-management relationships. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of essential aspects like conflict resolution, labor and employment law, and collective bargaining. The course is conducted virtually and is designed to support participants in enhancing workplace fairness and efficiency.
Issued by: Toronto Metropolitan University
Focus:
- Fundamentals of Labour Relations
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Labour and Employment Law
- Grievance Arbitration
- Investigations
- Duty to Accommodate
- Collective Bargaining
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: CAD 5,495 + HST
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for union officers, HR professionals, mediators, consultants, lawyers, and managers who want to enhance their expertise in creating fair and efficient workplaces.
10. Employment and Labor Relations Program - Best for employment policy development
The Employment and Labor Relations Program provides a thorough education in employment law, collective bargaining, and workplace policies. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills, utilizing real-world case studies and experiential learning to prepare them for modern workplace challenges. Guided by experienced faculty, the program encourages students to advocate for workplace equity and harmony.
Issued by: Wayne State University
Focus:
- Employment law
- Collective bargaining
- Workplace policies
- Economic development
- Advocacy for equity and harmony
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This program is designed for individuals seeking to develop expertise in employment law and labor relations, enabling them to become effective advocates for equitable workplace practices.
11. Advanced Labour Relations Certificate Course - Best for advanced negotiation techniques
The Advanced Labour Relations Certificate Course provides in-depth training on Canadian labor relations. It focuses on legal compliance, communication skills, and negotiation strategies. A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon finishing the course, and participants benefit from networking opportunities and mentorship from experienced HR leaders. The course is particularly suitable for HR professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of labor relations and advance their careers.
Issued by: Luminous Academy
Focus:
- Legal compliance in Canadian labor relations
- Effective communication skills
- Negotiation strategies
- Collective bargaining
- Grievance handling
- Employee engagement in unionized environments
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: CA$2,950
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for HR professionals and individuals new to Canadian HR practices, enabling them to enhance their expertise in labor relations and advance their careers.
12. 2-Day Labor Relations & Employee Engagement Certificate Program - Best for rapid skill enhancement in employee engagement
The 2-Day Labor Relations & Employee Engagement Certificate Program focuses on enhancing understanding of labor relations and improving employee engagement in the workplace. Participants gain 15 HRCI HR(General) Credits and 15 SHRM PDCs through a comprehensive curriculum covering federal labor relations law, grievance handling, negotiations, and effective communication strategies. The program equips attendees with skills to foster a positive workplace culture, enhance employee relations, and effectively navigate labor relations complexities.
Issued by: HRDevelop
Focus:
- Federal labor relations law
- Grievance handling
- Collective bargaining
- Employee engagement strategies
- Union organizing and maintaining non-union status
- Alternative dispute resolutions
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $995
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for HR professionals looking to rapidly enhance their skills in labor relations and employee engagement, enabling them to foster a more productive and satisfied workforce.
FAQs about Labor Relations Certifications
What is a labor relations certification?
A labor relations certification is a formal recognition by a labor board or authority that a union is the official bargaining representative for a group of employees. This certification allows the union to negotiate labor contracts and address workplace issues on behalf of its members.
How can an organization obtain labor relations certification?
An organization, typically a union, can obtain labor relations certification by filing a petition with the appropriate labor board or authority. This often involves demonstrating sufficient interest among employees, usually through signed authorization cards or a formal election.
What role does a labor board play in the certification process?
A labor board, such as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in the United States, oversees the certification process. The board evaluates petitions, conducts elections if necessary, and ensures that the process adheres to legal standards and regulations.
Can a labor relations certification be challenged or revoked?
Yes, labor relations certifications can be challenged or revoked under certain circumstances. Challenges may arise if there are allegations of improper conduct during the certification process, or if there are significant changes in the workforce or organizational structure that affect the bargaining unit.
How does labor relations certification impact employees?
Labor relations certification impacts employees by formally establishing a union as their representative in negotiations with employers. This can lead to collective bargaining agreements covering wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment terms, providing employees with a structured platform to voice their concerns and negotiate improvements.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best labor relations conferences
- Guide to new employment and labor laws
To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.